Air-Fryer Chickpeas: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer chickpeas are a delicious, crunchy, and healthy snack. They are also vegan and gluten-free. You can use canned or dried chickpeas, and a variety of spices to season them. The air fryer cuts the cook time down to 15 minutes, and they are crispier than oven-roasted chickpeas. They are a great addition to salads, wraps, and grain bowls.

How to get the perfect crunch

To get the perfect crunch, it is important to start with dry chickpeas. If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them well to get rid of any liquid. Then, spread them on a kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them dry. If you have the time, let them sit out for an hour to ensure they are completely dry.

The next step is to add oil. Drizzle the chickpeas with olive oil, avocado oil, or any other liquid oil, and stir well to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add spices at this stage, such as garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, or salt. However, it is important not to use too much spice or sugar, as this can burn easily in the air fryer.

Once your chickpeas are prepared, preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. If your air fryer does not have a pre-heat function, simply let it run empty for 2-3 minutes at the desired temperature. Then, add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

The chickpeas are done when they are crunchy on the inside, not moist, and golden brown on the outside. If you prefer your chickpeas extra crispy, you can cook them for a few minutes longer. Once they are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

If you have any leftover chickpeas, you can store them in a jar or open container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to soften, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp them.

The best oils to use

It is important to note that the amount of oil used can affect the crispiness of the chickpeas. Too little oil will not make the chickpeas crispy enough, while too much oil will make them soggy. It is recommended to drizzle or spritz the oil over the chickpeas and stir well to ensure they are evenly coated.

If you are looking for a healthy option, olive oil is a good choice as it is high in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Avocado oil is also a healthy option, as it is high in monounsaturated fats and contains vitamins and minerals.

When choosing an oil to use in your air fryer, consider the smoke point, as well as the health benefits and flavour of the oil. Ultimately, the best oil to use will depend on your personal preferences and what you have on hand.

Spicing up your chickpeas

The great thing about cooking chickpeas in an air fryer is that you can use any spice combination you like. You can experiment with different spice blends to find your favourite, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Spices to use

• Olive oil and sea salt: This simple combination will make the nutty flavour of the chickpeas pop.
• Garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, and salt: These spices add a savoury kick to your chickpeas.
• Homemade fajita seasoning: You can make your own blend of fajita spices, but be sure to leave out the sugar as this can burn in the air fryer.
• Bagel seasoning: This blend of spices is great if you want a more complex flavour.
• Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, blackened seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, or zatar: Any of these spice blends will add a kick to your chickpeas.

How to spice your chickpeas

Firstly, make sure your chickpeas are dry before you add any spices. You can do this by spreading them out on paper towels and leaving them to air dry for an hour. Once your chickpeas are dry, you can add your chosen spice blend. Place the chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle with oil, then stir well to ensure they are evenly coated. Add your chosen spices and stir again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

You can also add more spices after cooking. Simply taste the chickpeas once they are cooked and add more salt and pepper, or any other spice blend, to your liking.

Re-crisping your leftovers

If you have leftover chickpeas, you can re-crisp them by cooking them for a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat. However, if you want to use your air fryer again, you can pop the chickpeas back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to re-crisp them.

To ensure your chickpeas remain crispy, it is important to store them in a jar or an open bowl or container at room temperature. They can be stored for up to a week, but they can start to soften after 2 days.

If you are using dried chickpeas, it is recommended to soak them overnight before cooking. This can be done by putting them in a bowl with double the amount of water and refrigerating.

When cooking your chickpeas, it is important to ensure they are dry before placing them in the air fryer. If you skip this step, they won't crisp up. You can dry them by spreading them on a kitchen or paper towel and patting them dry.

Once you have cooked your chickpeas, you can add seasoning. It is important to get the right amount of oil and seasoning to ensure your chickpeas are crispy. Too little oil will prevent them from becoming crispy, and too much will make them soggy.

How to store your air-fried chickpeas

Air-fried chickpeas are a delicious and healthy snack, but it's important to store them correctly to maintain their crunchiness and freshness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your air-fried chickpeas:

Storing at Room Temperature:

It is generally safe to store your air-fried chickpeas at room temperature, but only for a short period. Place the chickpeas in an open container, such as a jar or bowl, and keep them uncovered or loosely covered. This will ensure that the chickpeas remain crisp. You can expect them to stay crunchy and fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Storing in the Fridge:

While it is possible to store air-fried chickpeas in the fridge, it is not recommended, as condensation can cause them to lose their crisp texture. If you do choose to refrigerate them, place the chickpeas in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming soggy. However, be aware that they will not retain their crispy texture, and it is generally advised to avoid this storage method if possible.

Freezing Air-Fried Chickpeas:

If you have a large batch of air-fried chickpeas and want to store them for an extended period, freezing is a viable option. Place the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen chickpeas to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply take out the desired portion and pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp.

Re-Crisping:

If your stored chickpeas have lost their crunch, you can easily re-crisp them. Place them in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at the same temperature you originally cooked them. Alternatively, you can use a dry skillet over medium heat on your stovetop. This will help restore their crunchy texture, making them taste freshly cooked again.

Remember, air-fried chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage can extend their shelf life and maintain their delicious texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions